Claddagh Gemstone Earrings for St. Patrick's Day

- Amethyst & Unakite, Celtic Fede Gift of Love -

These lovely Claddagh earrings feature silver "crowned heart in hands" love charms, purple amethyst gemstones, green unakite, and Swarovski clear cystals. The charms are from TierraCast (made in the USA) and are silver-on-pewter hoops with the Irish hands and heart symbol forming the bottom center of the hoops. These are nicely detailed charms and eye-catching.

To ornament these charms, I drew on my experiences visiting Ireland, remembering time spent exploring the Irish countryside amid the purple heather and rich green of late summer. To represent the first, I used faceted amethyst beads; for the greenery, I decided on unakite, which has variegated green coloring along with salmon touches and mineral nodules. The meaning of this gemstone—unity—influenced my choice.

Also included with these Ireland-inspired earrings are Swarovski clear crystals (made in Austria), sterling silver rondelles (made in Italy), rhodium-on-pewter spacers (made in USA), silver plate pins, and sterling silver ear hooks. The length here is about 2 inches with the hooks.

These pretty and meaningful Celtic love earrings would make a perfect gift for someone special—a mother and grandmother as well as a wife or girlfriend. Anyone who loves Ireland would also find them meaningful. They were handmade by me with great care, thought, and best wishes for their destined wearer. They come on a PrettyGonzo earring card and in a nice organza bag, wrapped and ready for gifting to that someone special—or to yourself!

ABOUT THE CLADDAGH
This Irish symbol originated in the Claddagh area of Galway, at one time a separate village from the city. The symbol was traditionally used in Ireland to embellish "fede" rings, which date back to ancient Rome and were common in Europe after the Dark Ages. Fede rings typically include the image of joined hands, a symbol of love's pledge and loyalty. Like most rings of this kind, the Claddagh served as an engagement ring or a wedding band—and still does. Today the symbol is also used in various kinds of jewelry and may express friendship or maternal love as well as romantic love. As for the symbolic image, the Claddagh consists of two hands holding a regally crowned heart; the hands represent friendship, with the crown standing for loyalty atop a loving heart. Among the sentiments connected with the Claddagh is the saying "Let love and friendship reign."

ABOUT UNAKITE & AMETHYST
Unakite is traditionally considered a healing gem of positive connection and energy. It is also seen as a stone of connection and unity, which dovetails with the meaning of the Claddagh charms. The term "epidote" comes from the Greek "epidosis," which means "growing together." It is associated with the heart chakra.

A member of the quartz family, amethyst is often considered a protective, talismanic stone. It is associated with the crown chakra and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are crystals and often have inclusions, clouding, and other interesting elements to them, as well as various shadings of their distinctive purple color.

To see more PrettyGonzo jewelry, please visit my Etsy shop via the link below.

• ETSY       • PINTEREST        • TWITTER
  

Celtic Cross Earrings with Amethyst & Malachite

- Ireland-Inspired Gemstone Dangle, Small Cross Charms -

These handmade earrings feature Celtic cross charms, purple amethyst gemstones, and verdant malachite rounds in a lovely evocation of Ireland's ancient high crosses. The cross charms are small (around half an inch in length) but well detailed and ornamented with simple eternal knots. They are antiqued silver-on-pewter charms that were made in the USA by TierraCast. Anyone who has visited the high crosses of Ireland will likely find their memories stirred by these little charms, just as I did.

The genuine green malachite round beads, with their variegated green bands, suggest the verdant richness of the Irish countryside, while above them, ornamenting the earrings hooks, two sparkly emerald crystals evoke the more brilliant green of the Emerald Isle. The crystals are bicones from Swarovski and were made in Austria. The purple amethyst suggests the lovely heather that lends a royal quality to the Irish hills once late summer comes around.

Also used in these earrings are TierraCast bead caps and sterling silver round beads. The earring hooks are sterling silver and come with ear guards to help keep this special pair more secure on your ears. The earring length is about 2 inches, including the hooks.

Pretty and meaningful, these Celtic cross earrings were inspired by Ireland and would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves Ireland or is interested in it. The tiny endless knots inside the cross charms are each a little reminder of eternal love and caring. Designed and handmade by me with care, though, and best wishes for their destined wearer, these sweet dangles come wrapped in an organza bag, all set for gifting!

ABOUT THE CELTIC CROSS SYMBOL
This symbol is usually distinguished by an ornamental ring encircling the intersection of the arms and shaft of the cross, and may be decorated with various Celtic knotwork designs or, in the case of certain high crosses, Biblical motifs. Legend has it that the ring is a pagan solar circle adapted by St. Patrick and synthesized into a Christian context when he was working to convert the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century. As a sign of divine light, it has affinities with the halo or heavenly nimbus that became an attribute of divinity in Christian art.

Among the most outstanding expressions of this cross symbol are the historic Celtic high crosses, which date from the 8th century to the 12th and are constructed of stone. It's likely that they were preceded by wooden and metal counterparts now are lost to us. Although there were high crosses in the British Isles (with some excellent artifacts surviving in Scotland), it is in Ireland where they have best endured the course of history and where they take on monumental stature. I've visited various ancient sites with high crosses, and even the simplest of these crosses is impressive and thought-provoking. With a few exceptions (such as the now-sheltered Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnoise), they are situated in the open air of cemeteries, church yards, and ancient monastic ruins, exposed to the elements and often surrounded by the beauty of the Irish countryside.

ABOUT CELTIC KNOTS
There are several variations of the Celtic knot, but all share the notable absence of a beginning or an ending to their interlacing line: they are endless knots. Also known as mystic knots, they may be interpreted as symbols of eternity and timelessness, thus possessing a spiritual dimension. Some consider Celtic knots protective of current good fortune; others see them as representing the inner integration of the self.

ABOUT THE GEMSTONES
Amethyst - A member of the quartz family, amethyst is traditionally considered a protective, talismanic stone. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethusos," which means "not drunk." The gemstone is associated with the crown chakra, and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are crystals and often have inclusions, varied color shades, and other interesting elements to them.

Malachite - This gemstone has been treasured and used for jewelry since ancient times. It was especially valued in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. It also ornamented amulets and statues, and was even ground into powder for use as eye shadow. Malachite's name may have come from the Greek "malache," which means mallow (a green plant). This mineral was also popular in medieval times as a talisman to protect its wearer against the evil eye. Perhaps malachite has attracted so much attention over the ages because of its green coloration, which always varies and suggests nature and growth. Currently there are many inexpensive synthetic forms of malachite on the market. I am a stickler for authentic malachite, and pay what I must for the genuine gemstone.

To see more PrettyGonzo handmade jewelry, please come visit our shop via the Etsy link below!

• ETSY       • PINTEREST        • TWITTER 

Amber Lampwork & Amethyst Gemstone Earrings

- Sterling Silver Floral Beads, Artisan Glass Focal -

Amber lampwork glass and amethyst gemstone beads come together in a lovely stylish pair of sterling silver handmade dangle earrings. The pretty lampwork beads are rondelle shaped (wider than they are long) and wrapped in fine silver. They're also translucent, which gives them a fluid and dreamy quality. These shining beauties were handmade using premium materials by Charlotte Hayes of Covergirlbeads.

To these lampwork beads I added small faceted amethyst gemstone rounds and delightful little square-shaped sterling silver pillow beads, which have a raised granulation design of a six-petaled flower on the front and back.

The basic design of each dangle is an elegant stack from top to bottom of an amethyst round, a sterling pillow bead, a lampwork rondelle, and another amethyst round, with sterling silver daisy spacers between the beads. The dangle is made from sterling wire, with a loop at the base and a triple wire wrap at the top. I carefully hammered the loops for strength. There are also pink Japanese seed beads within the lampwork focals, to keep the large beads better centered on the wire; these little additions are unseen, but do their job nicely.

The earring hooks are French style (aka fish hook) and, like all the components in this special pair, are sterling silver. They come with clear ear guards for better security when the earrings are worn. For an extra touch of elegance, I added small Swarovski copper crystal bicones to the front of the hooks. Their color is a nice complement to the amber lampwork. Including the hooks, the length of these earrings is approximately 1 and 7/8 inches.

Unique and handmade with care and good wishes, these pretty earrings are elegantly versatile, ready to add an earthy touch to a more formal, dressy occasion or some eye-catching shine and sparkle to everyday wear. They come on earring cards and in a nice organza bag, all set for gifting to that special someone—perhaps yourself!

To see more PrettyGonzo jewelry, please visit my Etsy shop via the link below. 

• ETSY       • TWITTER       • PINTEREST

Sparkly Amethyst Earrings with Violet Crystals

- Faceted Gemstone, Short Boho Chic Dressy Dangles -

These sweet amethyst earrings feature lovely faceted gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver French hooks. The amethyst gemstone beads are nicely cut with small facets and tend to catch the light easily. They are partnered with pretty violet-colored Swarovski bicones, which bring a wonderful sparkle to the earrings and complement the shine of the gemstones. The sterling silver hooks add a further touch of elegance to the pair, and come with clear ear guards for better security when the earrings are worn.

To bring a boho chic quality to the styling here, I chose TierraCast cone-shaped bead caps and granulated rondelle spacers (both the caps and the spacers, were made in the USA). The bead caps are plated with rhodium and the rondelles are fine silver-on-pewter creations. Also included are Japanese seed beads, which I used to stabilize the rondelle spacers on the earring pins. The length of this pretty pair is 1 3/8" including the sterling hooks.

Sparkly and pretty in their boho chic elegance, these genuine amethyst earrings with sterling silver and violet crystals would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the color purple. They would also be a sweet choice for wedding jewelry, especially as a gift for the maid of honor or mother of the bride. They were handmade by me with great care, thought, and best wishes for their destined wearer. The pair comes on a PrettyGonzo earrings card and wrapped in a nice organza bag, all set for gifting to someone special—including yourself!

ABOUT AMETHYST
A member of the quartz family, amethyst is traditionally regarded as a stone of protection that lowers stress and calms the mind. It is also believed to be a highly spiritual stone that nurtures inner peace and spiritual awareness. This gemstone has been appreciated since ancient times. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethusos," which translates as "not drunk." Not surprisingly, among the wide range of healing properties attributed to the stone is the power to help people who have problems with alcohol and other substance addictions. Some people also believe that this gemstone confers beneficial effects on insomnia, poor digestion, arthritis, and headaches. It is associated with the crown chakra, and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are actually crystals and often have inclusions, clouding, and other interesting elements to them, as well as various shadings of their distinctive purple color.
  
To see more PrettyGonzo jewelry, please visit my Etsy shop using the link below.

• ETSY        • TWITTER        • PINTEREST
 

Purple Amethyst Abalone Earrings

Iridescent Earrings

Look your best wearing these gorgeous purple Amethyst and Abalone earrings! The 2 inch earrings have genuine gemstones and crystal rondell beads that add a little bling to lovely iridescent shells. Wear them casually or with a dressy outfit and they will look great with either one. They are very lightweight and are connected to sterling silver ear wires.

Handmade Shell Earrings

Materials I used in the earrings:

- Shells - 19 x 22 mm, iridescent colors of silver, purple, green, brown, gray and blue
- Gemstones - 6 mm, round, dark purple Amethyst, smooth finish
- Sterling silver ear wires
- Swarovski crystal rondell beads

Crystal, Gemstone and Shell Earrings

These earrings are designed and handmade by me, Sharon, of Blonde Peach Jewelry. They will arrive in an attractive organza bag that is great for storage and gift giving.

Etsy

Pinterest

Facebook

Claddagh Dangle Earrings with Amethyst
- Celtic Fede Gift of Love  -

These lovely Claddagh earrings feature silver "crowned heart in hands" love charms, purple amethyst gemstones, green unakite, and Swarovski cystals. The charms, from TierraCast (made in the USA), are silver-on-pewter hoops with the Irish hands-and-heart symbol forming the lower center of the hoops. The charms are well detailed and nicely visible without being too heavy.

To ornament these charms, I drew on my experiences visiting Ireland, remembering time spent exploring the Irish countryside amid the purple heather and rich green of late summer. To represent the first, I used faceted amethyst beads; for the greenery, I decided on unakite, which has variegated green coloring along with salmon touches and mineral nodules. The meaning of this gemstone—unity—influenced my choice.

Also included with these earrings are Swarovski sparkling bicone crystals, sterling spacer beads (made in Italy), rhodium-on-pewter knobbed spacer beads (made in USA), and sterling silver ear hooks. The length here is 2 inches, including the hooks.

These pretty and meaningful Celtic love earrings would make a perfect gift of love for a mother, grandmother, wife, or girlfriend. Anyone who loves Ireland would also find them special. They were handmade by me with care, thought, and best wishes for their destined wearer. They come in a nice organza bag, wrapped and ready for gifting!

About the Claddagh
This Irish symbol originated in the Claddagh area of Galway, at one time a separate village from the city. The symbol was traditionally used in Ireland to embellish "fede" rings, which date back to ancient Rome and were common in Europe after the Dark Ages. Fede rings typically include the image of joined hands, a symbol of love's pledge and loyalty. Like most rings of this kind, the Claddagh served as an engagement ring or a wedding band—and still does. Today the symbol is also used in various kinds of jewelry and may express friendship or maternal love as well as romantic love. As for the image of the symbol, the Claddagh depicts two hands holding a regally crowned heart; the hands represent friendship, with the crown standing for loyalty atop a loving heart. Among the sentiments connected with the Claddagh is the saying "Let love and friendship reign."

About Unakite & Amethyst
Unakite is traditionally considered a healing gem of positive connection and energy. It is also seen as a stone of connection and unity, which dovetails with the meaning of the Claddagh charms. The term "epidote" comes from the Greek "epidosis," which means "growing together." It is associated with the heart chakra.

A member of the quartz family, amethyst is often considered a protective, talismanic stone. It is associated with the crown chakra and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are crystals and often have inclusions, clouding, and other interesting elements to them, as well as various shadings of their distinctive purple color. 

• Etsy     • Twitter     • Pinterest